Hello dear
Pikaichi, located at 123 Boston Ave in Medford, MA, has garnered a loyal following for its delectable ramen offerings. This family-owned gem seamlessly combines tradition and flavor, serving up a variety of ramen soups, including the popular Jigoku Ramen, known for its rich broth and expertly cooked noodles. Customers rave about the quick service and the warm, inviting atmosphere, despite occasional wait times due to its popularity. With a focus on quality and affordability, Pikaichi stands out in the Greater Boston area as a must-visit spot for ramen lovers seeking comfort and satisfaction in every bowl.
About
Welcome to Pikaichi, a beloved gem located at 123 Boston Ave in Medford, MA. This bustling ramen spot has been winning the hearts of locals and ramen enthusiasts alike with its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere. If you find yourself in the Greater Boston area, make sure to stop by for a bowl that promises a delightful experience.
Pikaichi is a no-frills establishment that thrives on delivering excellent service and mouth-watering dishes. Its loyal customer base attests to the restaurant's commitment to quality. Reviewers rave about the Jigoku Ramen, which combines a beautifully balanced broth with tender meat, chewy noodles, and a perfectly jammy egg. You'll appreciate the flavorful kick it brings, making it a favorite for many. The absence of pretentious decor allows the food to take center stage, creating an enjoyable and unpretentious dining experience.
Parking is conveniently available along the street, especially around 5 PM on weekdays, which makes it easy to grab a quick bite after a long day. Though wait times can vary—20 minutes on a busy Saturday isn't uncommon—it's a small price to pay for a taste of their expertly crafted ramen dishes. As one customer fondly noted, “Everyone must be here just for the food,” which speaks volumes of Pikaichi's reputation.
What sets Pikaichi apart is its dedication to customer satisfaction and customization. With various soup bases and toppings, you can create a bowl that perfectly suits your taste. From vegetarian options to rich meat varieties, there is something for everyone. Families, including those with kids, find a welcoming spot here, thanks to the diverse menu that keeps all palates happy.
If you’re in search of satisfying ramen, outstanding service, and a community feel, look no further than Pikaichi. As Nick S mentions, it’s one of his favorite spots in the whole city, and with many years of consistent quality, you will surely find it hard to disagree. Just a heads-up, the restaurant will be on vacation from March until May 2025, so plan your visit accordingly!
For more information, you can reach them at +1 781-777-2555.
“ Yummy food for the area. Great broth. Medium noodle. The seating wait time was not long. Take out is a very quick process. Street parking was easy as well around 5pm weekday. The store is going on a vacation March until May 2025. ”
“ Pikaichi was bustling on a Saturday for lunch. We waited around 20 minutes to get seated, and saw many people waiting when we left. It's a no-frills establishment with quick and efficient service, so we weren't there for long. I got the jigoku ramen and it was really delicious! It had good spice and wonderful flavor. I liked the tender meat, chewy noodles, and jammy egg as well. I'd definitely get this again. I'm looking forward to my next visit! ”
“ Pikaichi is probably my favorite ramen place to go to within the Greater Boston area. I've been coming to the restaurant since it began in Super88 in the Allston area, and followed it to their new restaurant location in Medford. The quality has remained the same over the last 5 years of eating Pikaichi. The service is excellent, prices are cheaper than most ramen places in the area, but the quality is still exceptional. Wait times and parking can be a bit of an issue, but it is well worth the wait. I typically get the Jigoku Ramen, with additional toppings such as extra noodles, the chashu rice, and a whole egg added in. This comes out to around 16-17 for the total dish. The Jigoku isn't too spicy, with the portion size being good for the price. The extra noodles are perfect to use up the rest of the broth, with the rest going for the rice. It is a bit salty for some, but I find that it is balanced quite well with the noodles and rice. Overall, one of my favorite ramen spots in the whole city area, and I will continue coming back. ”
“ I'm not a big soup person but this place is great, and my kids love it. They have a variety of ramen soups in vegetarian and meat varieties, and many customizations. Beware: this place is popular so it gets busy. ”
“ Recommended by our son, we made the short 20-minute drive to check out Pikaichi, a ramen spot tucked away in Medford. As we approached, we noticed there were no other businesses nearby—but what caught our attention was the crowd of people waiting in line to get in. That was our first sign we were in for something good. I thought to myself, “Everyone must be here just for the food.” After putting our names on the waitlist, it quickly became clear that this is a local, family-owned restaurant. The chef, who may also be the owner, prepares the ramen right in front of you behind the counter, adding a personal touch that’s rare these days. We waited about 20 minutes for a table—not bad considering how popular it seems to be. Ordering was simple, and the menu offers a great variety of ramen bases and side dishes. We each chose a different soup base, and every bowl arrived beautifully presented and full of rich, satisfying flavor. If you’re in the area and love ramen, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Highly recommended! ”
“ It was delicious! It's an authentic Japanese ramen house! The noodles were perfectly done, and the soup was delicious! My son said the meat was a bit smaller than he expected, and he added 2 extra chashu plates, but the meat was so good, too. We would come again and again! ”
“ ABSOLUTELY THE BEST RAMEN IN NEW ENGLAND!!! Everything was delicious prepared perfectly. This place opens at 5:00pm we got there about 5:02pm and good thing we got there when we did because we got the last table in 2 minutes this place was completely full and the line was building up at the door if that doesn’t speak volumes of this restaurant I can’t help you. We can not wait to be back ”
“ Well worth the wait if you happen to go during a busy time. Spectacular flavor and depth to the soup, and I find myself bringing friends here. Good variety of add-ons, and theres even vegetarian options. I’m always pleasantly surprised when I eat here! ”